Green Party Senator Vincent P. Martin today (Wednesday, 6th November 2024) introduces his Private Members Bill, Public Health (Antacid Products) Bill 2024 at First Stage in Seanad Éireann.
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF), the national cancer charity with a mission of raising awareness, early detection and survival rates for oesophageal cancer, welcomes this Antacid Bill. The charity is in Leinster House today supporting Senator Martin, whose father passed away from oesophageal cancer over 20 years ago and who is committed to making the warnings around the prolonged use of antacids bigger and better, specifically at point of sale in pharmacies.
Unfortunately, over 70% of people in Ireland wait over 3 months before going to the GP with symptoms of oesophageal cancer which can include difficulty swallowing and ongoing chronic heartburn. Early detection of this cancer makes a real difference in survival rates, and OCF is encouraging people to stop normalising ongoing, chronic heartburn, and to pop to their GP, instead of popping more antacids. With Christmas approaching, OCF welcomes Senator Martin’s Antacid Bill which it says starts an important conversation about heartburn and shines a light on the symptoms of oesophageal cancer, especially in the run up to Christmas Feasting.
According to OCF’s CEO Carmel Doyle whose family has been impacted by oesophageal cancer, ” Many of us anticipate digestive issues along with all the Christmas feasting, perhaps buying well-known and well-advertised antacids (like Rennies, Gaviscon, Nexium) as part of our Christmas Shop. But at OCF we make no apology in discouraging any overindulgence and prolonged use of antacids. We want to use this timely Antacid Bill as a reminder for people to do something about ongoing chronic heartburn if they have it, rather than suppressing it with antacids, thinking ‘sure it will be grand’. We know from too many people attending our patient support meetings who’ve been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, that heartburn and acid reflux was a big part of their life, pre cancer.
We also know that an early visit to the GP will increase early detection and improve the survival rate for this cancer in Ireland, which is currently 25% survival over 5 years post diagnosis. We are urging the whole care community to be aware of the symptoms of oesophageal cancer and for everyone to be more proactive about questioning and doing something about ongoing chronic heartburn. We thank Senator Martin for his drive and commitment in putting this important issue on the agenda, and we look forward to continuing the conversation and working with pharmacists and retailers to play their part in the early warning system.”
She adds: “Indeed, it was only through my own nagging of my husband regarding his guzzling of Gaviscon by the bottle, that got him to his GP, when he was diagnosed with Barrett’s Oesophagus which can be a precursor to oesophageal cancer. From there, it was then through a routine Barrett’s scope that his cancer was picked up, and very early, thankfully. Now, 13 years post cancer surgery, we are thankful that we took action and went to the doctor and we want more people to question the ongoing use of antacids. That starts at the point of purchase and retailers have their part of play, as we all do.”
Ireland has one of the highest rates of oesophageal cancer in Europe with over 500 people diagnosed each year. Oesophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide and is more common among men than among women by a ratio of 3 to 1. The mission of the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) is to raise awareness, early detection and the survival rate for this cancer, while supporting families impacted through its regional patient support programme.
The charity gets zero funding from the State and is relying on its Christmas campaign which asks people to donate by ‘Lighting up a Bauble’ and, in so doing, shine a light on this cancer. OCF also runs its annual Lollipop Day awareness campaign in February each year to raise funds and awareness about oesophageal cancer.”
Further information: Carmel Doyle 087 2473537 or Anthony Doran 086 4542713